# Gabon mental health crisis response

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gabon-mental-health-crisis-response
> Updated: 2026-09-17T13:11:39.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Gabon officials have called for an urgent roadmap to address a growing mental health crisis within the country. Vice President Hermann Immongault and Health Minister Elsa Nkana Joséphine Ayo-Bivigou have identified an increasing number of individuals suffering from mental health issues wandering the streets, specifically in the Grand Libreville area.

To manage this situation, officials are proposing an emergency plan to improve care at the Melen Psychiatric Hospital, which is currently facing significant capacity shortages. The proposed measures include enhancing care mechanisms, increasing accessibility to specialized treatment, improving patient transport, and expanding both human and financial resources.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Gabon officials demand urgent roadmap for mental health crisis

Gabon's Vice President has demanded an urgent roadmap to address rising mental health issues and the increasing number of patients wandering the streets of Libreville.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gabon-officials-demand-urgent-roadmap-for-mental-health-crisis

### 2026-09-01: Gabon authorities order medical evacuation for brigadier after viral plea

Gabonese authorities have ordered a medical evacuation for brigadier Christian Rodrigue Assogo after a viral video showed him pleading for help due to unpaid wages and severe foot infections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gabon-authorities-order-medical-evacuation-for-brigadier-after-viral-plea

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Cite as: Gabon mental health crisis response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gabon-mental-health-crisis-response